The Y began as an all-volunteer organization, and to this day, volunteers play an integral role in everything we do.
From strategic planning to fundraising, from coaching to reading to a child, volunteers are the heart of our Y. When you become a volunteer at the Y, you can share your talents, strengths and gifts with those who need it most.
With a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, we have a place for anyone looking to connect and make a difference in our communities.
Explore Specific Volunteer Opportunities
Reach & Rise Mentorship
Youth Sports Coaches
Seasonal Events
Corporate Group Volunteers
Join a Y Board
Our Commitment to Safety
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is committed to creating safe, welcoming environments where children, teens, and vulnerable adults can learn, grow, and thrive.
As a Praesidium Accredited YMCA, we adhere to nationally recognized standards for abuse prevention and risk management. Praesidium Accreditation demonstrates our commitment to protecting those entrusted to our care through comprehensive screening, training, supervision, and accountability practices.
This means youth, teen, and vulnerable adult safety is embedded into our policies, procedures, volunteer onboarding, and day-to-day practices.
Volunteer Classifications
To support safety and provide the appropriate level of screening, volunteer opportunities are grouped into three categories. Requirements vary based on the level of interaction with youth, teens, and vulnerable adults.
| Volunteer Type | Definition | Screening & Onboarding | Minimum Age |
| High Access | Volunteers who regularly and directly engage with youth or vulnerable adults and may serve independently without direct YMCA staff supervision. | Volunteer application; waiver / code of conduct; background check; three reference checks; volunteer interview; Youth & Teen Safety Policy acknowledgement; Youth & Teen Safety E-Learning. | 16 years old because a background check is required. |
| Low Access | Volunteers who may interact with youth, teens, or vulnerable adults only under the direct supervision of YMCA staff and are not left alone with participants. | Volunteer application; waiver / code of conduct; background check; Youth & Teen Safety Policy acknowledgement; Youth & Teen Safety E-Learning. | 16 years old because a background check is required. |
| One-Time Events | Volunteers who participate in a single-day event, project, or service opportunity with limited direct interaction with youth, teens, or vulnerable adults. | Volunteer application and waiver / code of conduct. Additional requirements may apply based on the project. | Varies by opportunity, volunteer responsibilities, and supervision needs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
There are generally four types of volunteer roles at the Y:
Program Volunteers:
Program volunteers could be an instructor or leader of a group, class, or team. Program volunteers work with the YMCA staff to provide programs, services, and activities to participants - like youth sports coaches. These volunteers need to go through the onboarding process which includes a background check.
Service Volunteers:
Service volunteers are individuals who take roles in administration, membership services, sales, communication, or fundraising on behalf of the YMCA.
Board Volunteers:
Board volunteers are members of either the Association Board of Directors, Community Engagement Boards or Y Ambassadors (Young Professionals) Board. Board members serve as the voice of the community to the Y, they’re ambassadors and advocates of the Y, and they connect partners and secure resources to advance the Y’s mission.
Event Volunteers:
Event volunteers assist on the day of an event, they can sign up and show up without any pre-training or on-board processing.
The Y has 19 membership branches, 5 program locations and several early learning centers in the metro Atlanta area. Volunteer opportunities are available at most locations. Find the location nearest to you!
Child-Aged Volunteers
Children under the age of 12 are welcome to volunteer, however they are required to complete volunteer responsibilities while under supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
Teenage Volunteers (between 12-17)
Are welcome to volunteer as long as they are under the supervision of a YMCA staff person over the age of 18.
Adult Volunteers (18 and above)
When completing volunteer responsibilities during which children are present, must be under the supervision of a YMCA staff person.
*Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the written consent of a parent or guardian prior to volunteering.
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta does not offer court appointed volunteer hours.
Screening requirements are based on the volunteer's level of access to youth, teens, and vulnerable adults. Roles with greater responsibility and access require more comprehensive screening and training to help ensure participant safety.
Background checks are an important part of the YMCA's commitment to abuse prevention and participant safety. They help support a safe environment for children, families, volunteers, staff, and community members.
Praesidium Accreditation is a nationally recognized certification that verifies an organization has implemented rigorous abuse prevention and safety standards. Accredited organizations demonstrate strong practices in screening, training, policies, supervision, monitoring, and response protocols.
It means safety is not treated as a single step or checklist. It is part of a broader culture of prevention, accountability, and consistent practice across volunteer screening, onboarding, training, supervision, and program operations.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you are mentoring a young person, coaching a team, serving on a board, participating in a community event, or leading a corporate volunteer group, your time and talents can help strengthen our community.
Find your opportunity. Share your gifts. Create lasting impact.